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World Can't Be Blackmailed By Leaders Like Saddam, Bush Says

WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2002  President Bush today implied Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein would eventually try to blackmail the world by using weapons of mass destruction.

Speaking to an audience in South Bend, Ind., Bush said Saddam has ignored all admonitions by international organizations, to include those that he jettison chemical, biological and nuclear weapons of mass destruction programs.

U.N. weapons inspectors were kicked out of Iraq in 1998 after seeking such weapons, weapons Saddam had promised to give up as part of agreements Iraq made to the international community to end the Gulf War.

Bush is on record for wanting Saddam out of power -- one way or the other. This weekend, he is expected to meet with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, with Iraq likely the main topic of discussion.

Bush went on to characterize Hussein as one of the world's worst leaders.

"This is a man who used poisons on his own people," Bush pointed out, adding Saddam is an invader of countries, like Kuwait in 1990.